The line-up for the opening of the the 2013 Aintree Grand National Festival is looking more and more impressive everyday especially with the confirmation and that internationally acclaimed opera singer Katherine Jenkins will perform the national anthem before this year’s Grand National.

Katherine said: “The Grand National is a unique occasion, known across the world as an event full of glamour and excitement.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to launch a global sporting spectacle and perform in front of thousands of people, plus millions more internationally.

“It should be a really special atmosphere.”

A clearly very happy regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses, John baker said: “Katherine is a world-class performer and the Grand National is a world-class event.

“We are thrilled she will be with us to usher in Saturday’s racing, which crescendos with the world’s most famous horse race.”

The ante-post favourite for the 2013 Grand National is currently the Willie Mullins trained On His Own on 10/1, followed by last year’s third place finisher Seabass on 12/1 with Paddy Power.

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